After reading the novel, I discovered a common theme throughout the novel. Once you first open the book there is a quotation that states:
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"-Dr. Johnson
This quote alludes to the protagonists' extreme drug use in escaping the rough realities of American life and people who believe vigorous drug use was the answer to society's problems. (Please note this novel takes place in the '70s). Thompson assumes that his drug use is intended to make him miserable and behave eccentrically portrays the restless failure his generation feels.
Also, another major theme is the "American Dream." While Thompson and the attorey search for the literary and metaphoric American Dream, and to find their place in Las Vegas, they find only a burnt psychiatric office. At the beginning of the story, Thompson claims their adventure will be "gross, physical salute to the fantastic possibilities of life in this country", which was an idea that was short-lived when the excess fear settle within them; the symbolism of the burned psychiatric office was clear. Throughout Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the protagonists go out of their way to degrade and destroy the symbols of American consumerism and excess, while Las Vegas symbolizes the coarse ugliness of mainstream American culture.
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"-Dr. Johnson
This quote alludes to the protagonists' extreme drug use in escaping the rough realities of American life and people who believe vigorous drug use was the answer to society's problems. (Please note this novel takes place in the '70s). Thompson assumes that his drug use is intended to make him miserable and behave eccentrically portrays the restless failure his generation feels.
Also, another major theme is the "American Dream." While Thompson and the attorey search for the literary and metaphoric American Dream, and to find their place in Las Vegas, they find only a burnt psychiatric office. At the beginning of the story, Thompson claims their adventure will be "gross, physical salute to the fantastic possibilities of life in this country", which was an idea that was short-lived when the excess fear settle within them; the symbolism of the burned psychiatric office was clear. Throughout Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the protagonists go out of their way to degrade and destroy the symbols of American consumerism and excess, while Las Vegas symbolizes the coarse ugliness of mainstream American culture.
No comments:
Post a Comment